Mogadishu – The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, addressed the opening session of the first National Consultative Forum today and called on all Somalis to conduct broad consultations over next year’s electoral process in a spirit of compromise and reconciliation.

“Today’s Forum meeting is a great showcase for Somalia,” said SRSG Kay. “You are showing the world that you are on course to deliver your commitment to respect the provisional federal Constitution and hold an electoral process in 2016.”

SRSG Kay welcomed the participation of all Interim Regional Administrations and Federal States as well as civil society in the two-day Forum and reminded all participants of the “great responsibility” they will bear in the coming weeks and months.

“Today is the day when you can and should turn your attention to deciding what kind of electoral process will be right for 2016,” he stated. “Only you can decide.”

SRSG Kay noted that a series of regional public consultations will take place in each of the country’s Federal member states and interim regional administrations after the first Forum meeting concludes in Mogadishu tomorrow.

He welcomed the scheduling of an event today on the political participation of women and stressed the importance of highlighting the role women can play in the upcoming consultations on the 2016 electoral process.

“We need Somali women to strengthen their participation for the advancement of community stabilization, social cohesion and to consolidate peace,” said SRSG Kay.

He concluded his remarks by reminding participants that the international community is attending the two-day NCF meeting to observe and support their efforts. SRSG Kay drew attention to factors of high importance to the international community as Somalia embarks on the electoral consultation process.

“Respect for the constitutional deadline of 2016 is paramount,” he noted. “We hope your process will be based on a spirit of reconciliation, inclusivity and placing the national interest above all other interests. In 2016, we look forward to a more representative Parliament, more inclusive, and more answerable to the Somali people.”
The United Nations remains committed to supporting Somalia’s peace- and state-building process.

ENDS